Ademola Lookman has brushed aside his brief on-field confrontation with Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 round of 16.
The incident happened in the 64th minute, with Nigeria already 3–0 up and preparing to take a corner.
Osimhen was visibly angry that Lookman had not passed to him earlier when he felt better placed to score, and cameras caught the striker confronting his teammate near the corner flag. Moments later, the African Player of the Year signalled to the bench to be taken off and was soon substituted by Moses Simon, heading straight to the dressing room at full-time instead of joining the post-match huddle.
Speaking afterwards, Lookman insisted the flashpoint should not overshadow the result or the team spirit in the camp. Lookman, who scored and delivered a hat-trick of assists on the night, also reiterated his respect and admiration for Osimhen, underlining their strong relationship within the Super Eagles squad.
“I don’t think that is really important the team won 4-0,” Lookman told journalists. “Vic is my number one guy everybody knows this. Top striker, top player so all of the rest is not important.”
Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in Marrakech on Saturday, 10 January
